News Release May 01, 2007

Live. Give.
Make Blood Donation Part of Your Summer Plans

Contact:
Julie Scott
303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (May 01, 2007) –This summer Bonfils Blood Center wants you to live your life and enjoy all the great activities that summer brings. Whether indulging in cool waves, hot sand and sunny weather of a tropical vacation or backpacking down a winding trail into the depths of a Colorado forest, don’t forget to take a little time to make a big difference in the lives of patients by giving blood this summer.

From June through August, blood donations can drop as much as 20 percent despite the increased need for blood. By donating, you can give the gift of blood so that others in need can continue to live healthier and happier lives. Just one unit of whole blood can save or enhance up to three lives in Colorado and beyond.

“Summertime typically brings a decrease in blood donations as donors become busy with activities and vacations,” said Jessica Maitland, senior vice president of marketing and community operations for Bonfils Blood Center. “Unfortunately, as we experience this decrease in donations, the need for blood can increase due to accidents and emergencies as members of our community become more active.”

As a thank you for making blood donation part of your summer plans, all donors who give between Sunday, May 20 and Saturday, July 14 will receive a Bonfils t-shirt and between Sunday, July 15 and Saturday, Sept. 8 will receive a Bonfils water bottle. Donors who make two blood donations between May 20 and Sept. 8, will not only receive both gifts, but they will also be automatically entered into a drawing to win a six-night trip for two adults to Paraiso Del Mar in Riviera Maya, Mexico, generously provided by Apple Vacations. Whole blood donors are eligible to donate every 56 days.

Schedule a donation appointment at one of our nine Front Range community donor centers or daily community blood drives by calling 303.363.2300 or 800.365.0006, opt. 2 or online at www.bonfils.org.

For more than 60 years, Bonfils Blood Center has supported the community blood supply and has played an instrumental role in the lives of patients in need throughout Colorado and beyond. Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 200 healthcare facilities and needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For more information about Bonfils Blood Center, please visit www.bonfils.org or call 303.341.4000 or 800.365.0006